NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is proposing an additional $15 million-plus for three initiatives that focus on mental health treatment and suicide prevention.
A news release Tuesday from the Republican governor says $11.2 million in new funding would help cover mental health services for an additional 7,000 uninsured adults in Tennessee through the state's Behavioral Health Safety Net program.
That money would also cover increased costs at the state's four regional mental health institutes.
Lee wants another $3 million for the Creating Homes Initiative, which has created more than 20,000 permanent housing opportunities for people with mental illnesses.
Additionally, he is proposing $1.1 million to expand the state's partnership with the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
Lee is expected to outline his budget proposal Monday during his State of the State address.